Unlocking value in Integrated Care Systems for effective digital transformation

Digital transformation in the NHS is definitely more a marathon, than a sprint. ICSs represent the best opportunity in a generation to transform care, but to seize this opportunity, change is required. The best performing ICSs are already showing that high quality, integrated data collection and joined-up digital systems can initiate change. 

In our recently published White Paper on Digital Health Maturity in Health and Social Care we canvassed the opinion of digital experts, senior leaders, and influencers across health and care to explore how value for money can be maximised through investment in digital systems. The key themes we explored were the importance of ICS digital maturity assessments; regional disparities in digital maturity and how they correlate to operational and patient outcomes; and how levelling up digital maturity is a collective responsibility. So how can this be achieved? 

Digital transformation is a change programme 

Technology is an enabler, but it will not achieve digital maturity on its own. It needs to be supported by people, process, and cultural change to have the desired effect required. It is people that will drive change throughout an organisation and adopt new ways of working. Processes need to be reformed to make a shift to preventative measures, with funding following these principles.  

With these principles in place, technology can truly transform the way we work. We mustn’t forget what we want technology to do for us – can value and safety be demonstrated both clinically and operationally? And does it support the ambitions for integrated care? 

Value for money 

With NHS and Local Government under unprecedented financial pressures, every penny spent must be accountable for delivering a better outcome. A robust understanding of cash releasing and non-cash releasing benefits should accompany any business case, and these should be revisited post implementation to ensure value has been derived. This is the only way to truly understand if we are achieving better outcomes. 

Take an ICS-wide view 

To achieve true digital maturity, we need to consider inequalities across the region and the relevant services delivered by each care setting to make the shift towards preventative measures. With the ever-growing complex needs of long-term conditions, an aging population and lifestyle related diseases battling against a growing backlog, lack of capacity, escalating costs and an exhausted workforce, there are challenging decisions ahead.  

Taking an ICS-wide view can help prevent admissions and improve the wellbeing of citizens. Then we need to consider the governance and measurements in place to track progress. Many measures are focused at an acute level, to encourage broader action it’s time to introduce measures to track progress across all care settings to ensure progress is made. 

There will be challenges 

Amongst the many challenges, ensure that you don’t forget the basics. It is essential to make sure your technology is fit for purpose - every week we see commentary on EPR systems falling short. Make sure you can meet statutory reporting requirements to ensure you get paid. Make sure clinical and patient safety comes first in everything you do, and make sure you have clear sight of when you will realise benefits. Time to value is imperative, as is the measurement of this to ensure the technology is delivering what you need. 

Due diligence is imperative 

Too many procurements are failing due to affordability, lack of clear scope and lack of engagement with users. There is haste to deliver clinical systems, but due diligence up front is imperative to avoid costly mistakes. Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. All investments made should support an ICS-wide view and consider how it can support integrated care across care settings. Make sure your objectives for any technology deployment are clear, and don’t lose sight of them during the procurement process. 

In conclusion 

Large-scale digital transformation initiatives have a lot of promises to deliver on; balancing national priorities with local needs; improving organisational and patient outcomes; and providing value for money. With so many competing considerations for digital leaders, it is understandable why delivering measurable digital improvements that deliver value for money take significant resources. 

There is a lot of work ahead, but ICSs present the opportunity of a generation to achieve the transformation our health and social care services need. 

This blog is based on the System C Digital Maturity White Paper, available to download from  System C - Digital Maturity White Paper